9 reasons it’s for your lifestyle.
Hey y’all! My name is Meghan and welcome to my blog! Today we will discuss the best career you can have as a military spouse: nursing. If you are a spouse of a service member of any kind thinking, “Should I become a nurse?” I’m here to tell you, it is a GREAT IDEA.
Military spouses have to move every 2-3 years on average. This makes it harder for us to get jobs, and keep them! Especially one that works with your families needs.
| Demographic | Unemployment Rate |
| Nurses | 2.6% |
| Women >20 | 3.1% |
| Military Spouse | 22% |
IF THAT’S NOT DOWN RIGHT ALARMING I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS.
Nurses are employed 97.3% of the time while military spouses are only employed at 78% of the time.
As Meghan, RN, BSN, I can tell you that this job has been great for our family. I’ve rarely been without a job, and I’ve always gotten hired the same week I applied. I’m glad this field is the one I got my degree in, because it really is compatible with my husband’s work life. I’m thankful every day that this is the career I chose.
I’ve narrowed it down to 9 reasons this job is the way to go for military spouses.
#1: Job Availability
I’ll hit this topic first, since we just touched on it. Nursing needs you! Nurses have a low unemployment rate because there is a nursing shortage. I don’t know about you, but when I hear the word, “shortage,” I think supply and demand. Maybe that’s just in lieu of growing up in the US, but it’s where I go.
What you need as a military spouse looking for employment, is to be a valuable resource. Let’s face facts, we’re unattractive hires. We’re here and gone. No company wants to invest in us. We are not long term investments.
But because nurses are in such high demand, this is largely overlooked. Your hospital knows this alone, “We needed to fill this position 3 weeks ago.” You are the answer to their prayers. That is exactly what you need as a military spouse looking for a job.
#2: The Compact License
When you PCS, you will deal with about 1001 headaches. Converting your license and waiting for that to become usable won’t be one. 42/50 states have implemented compact licensure. This means, if your legal domicile is in one of them, you are good to cross state lines and work.
To permanently convert your license, it can take up to 8 weeks, this is true for non-compact states like Alaska. Don’t worry, your Alaskan salary will cover the time off.
#3: An RN Degree takes only 2 years
If you are currently without a degree, this is a huge benefit. RN programs are virtually everywhere. If you are moving constantly, you need a school that you can complete in a timely manner. Nursing school is difficult, but it’s quick.
If you are just starting school, the best course of action is a 2 year in-person RN program. For the sake of clinical hours I think an in-person program will be a huge simplification.
I would say at the next PCS, enroll before arrival! That should give you enough time to complete your 2 year RN, ADN program. Online nursing programs for RN to BSN are plentiful! If you’re feeling ambitious, or want a raise, going for your BSN is a great option.
#4: 12 hour shifts
If you’re an involved wife/spouse, this is for you. 3 days working per week, and 4 days off per week = More time at home with your spouse, and kids (if you’re there yet!) Any spouse who values their free time over a routine should consider nursing.
If you and your spouse are in a tight spot, and you need to make some extra cash by picking up an extra shift (because your dog ate your couch and the Emergency Vet is outrageous). If you work an extra shift, you still have 3 days off! To be clear, the long shifts are exhausting, but an average of 4 days off per week or 3 days off if you are sliding into overtime is hard to beat.
#5: Pay
Starting out you make about teacher salary, with plenty of room to grow. If your husband is just starting out, he is probably between E1-E4 and making around $30,000 annually (with benefits and depending on the state BAH). Between the two of you, you will be making an above average income, that’s defined as >$70,000 in the wealthiest states in the nation.
This is awesome, because it sets you guys up for success! I bet you aren’t still wondering, “Should I become a nurse?”
If you and your spouse live on his income alone, expecting no supplementation from your salary, WOWZA. You guys will be way ahead in life and you may even be able to pay off any outstanding debts! Click here to read my post about why you and your spouse should pay off your debt!
#6: Should I become a nurse? I hate night shifts!!
Night shift is a funny thing. Yes, it messes with your sleep cycle. The 4 am wall is absolutely a real thing. But, at my current job, if you work weekend night shift, you make an additional $8/hour.
An extra $8/hour for three shifts adds up to an extra $288/week. That adds up to $1,152/month pre-taxes. If your husband is deployed, and you guys need to do a bit of financial healing, this is awesome.
Night shift is also a great place to learn as a new nurse. Honestly, I still prefer the work on nightshift. It’s more patient care, less phone calls.
#7: Flexibility — Working PRN
One thing you should know as a military spouse is that you should almost never, never ever, hire as a Full-Time Employee. YOU NEED TO WORK PRN. PRN means in the healthcare world “as-needed.” This means you don’t receive full-time benefits.
That’s just to say, you already HAVE health insurance. You don’t need them to deduct from your pay, to provide you with what you already have.
You can leverage this to increase your rate of pay. At my most recent place of employment, they paid me an extra $9 per hour to work PRN, rather than full time. This also gives you flexibility in scheduling. I have to work 4 shifts in two weeks. If I prefer to work all four in one week, I am able to do so. This can be one week on, one week off.
#8: Alaska
If you want to make the big buckaroos, request AK as a duty station. AK has an INTENSE nursing shortage. No one wants to move there. Nurses make on average $87,000 annually in AK. It is not uncommon for them to make six figure incomes in these states.
If you guys PCS’d and saved your whole salary for two years while stationed in the arctic, you could walk away with $174,000 during your time there. WELL worth the head ache of licensure changes.
Areas like Alaska where money is not worth as much pay more to account for the cost of living. If you are looking to save your salary, these inflated areas are the best place to do so.
#9: Travel Nursing
This is my final and most compelling point. You need to travel nurse while your husband is gone for assignments (you can do it while he is home too).
You can travel nurse in your own area! Contract out 13-week assignments, and knock them out! And! There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and you never have to quit that job you just got. They know when you are out of there.
The travel nurse pay is awesome, and you and your spouse can use his 20 year career to prep yourselves for an awesome retirement.
I hope stopping by today you’ve found what you’re looking for! As always, thank you visiting my blog!
Comment below to share if you have some ideas on what careers are compatible with military life.
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